Photo courtesy Mohave County A bronze plaque in memory of Alan DeMars, a former community restitution service coordinator for the Mohave County Probation Department who passed away in 2007, is unveiled at the Colorado River Region Youth Shelter “Birdhouse Tree” Wednesday. Pictured (from left) are Renee DeMars, Paul DeMars, Probation Surveillance Officer Theresa Schumacher, Community Restitution Officer and Surveillance Officer Bill Simpcoe, Nick DeMars and Chief Probation Officer Friend Walker.

CRRYS dedicates Alan DeMars Sports Field

MOHAVE VALLEY – WestCare Arizona’s Colorado River Region Youth Shelter (CRRYS) dedicated its sports field and playground in memory of a well-loved Probation employee Wednesday, April 2.

The baseball diamond/sports field was named for Alan DeMars, former Mohave County Probation Department community restitution service coordinator who died last year. A memorial plaque “In Memory of Alan DeMars” was also placed on the facility’s “Birdhouse Tree.”

CRRYS Program Coordinator Debbie Marcusson began the ceremony by welcoming officials, staff and the family and friends of Alan DeMars. DeMars widow, Renee, and sons Nick and Paul DeMars attended the ceremony.

Mohave County Chief Probation Officer Friend Walker quoted remarks from Gen. George Patten who spoke at a memorial service for “men who had lost their lives in World War II. It was a somber event. Patten said, ‘We ought not weep that these men died, rather we should thank God that they lived.’ We should thank God that Alan DeMars

lived for all the things he did and the things he stood for.”

Marcusson described the history of the shelter and DeMars’ hard work to help the young clients. She spoke of the clearing of the brush and the building of the ball field, the playground, the basketball court and the many birdhouses. “He not only worked on the projects, but he would go into the community to find donations to complete the projects….He got us the teeter totters, tetherball and swings,” she said.

“One of the last projects he worked on at the facility was started as a joke,” she said referring to the unique “Birdhouse Tree. His unusual, funny idea has turned into a CRRYS trademark.

“Alan has completed numerous projects for WestCare,” she said. “His work ethic and knowledge of construction has enabled WestCare to continue to upgrade our facilities to meet the needs of our clients. Without the collaboration of the Probation Department and the dedication of Alan DeMars, many of these projects would not have been completed.

“The baseball field was a project that Alan was very proud of,” Marcusson said. “The WestCare staff, board members and CRRYS staff are honored to dedicate this baseball field in Alan’s name. This field will forever remain a part of this facility and Alan will forever be remembered as the man who brought us this beautiful outdoor area.” Last year, DeMars earned state honors as Employee of the Year by the Arizona Chief Probation Officers Association. During an interview in June, 2007, DeMars discussed the work he and the juvenile probationers did in

Alan DeMars’ sons (from left) Nick and Paul join Alan’s widow, Renee, Wednesday for the dedication of the Alan DeMars Sports Field at the Colorado River Region Youth Shelter in Mohave Valley. clearing the brush and building the ball field and playground. “To me, it is a joy to see the look of pride on their faces when probationers complete a project,” he said. “I feel it in my heart.”

“It is just so appropriate that they would dedicate this to Alan,” Walker said, “because it was his passion to work with the youths and give them this lovely ball field and playground. Thanks to CRRYS and thanks to all the people involved in making this (dedication ceremony) happen. I know the family really appreciates it.

The late Alan DeMars in a June, 2007, file photo with his state award.